Saturday, November 5, 2011

Utthana Ekadasi, or Prabodhini Ekadashi, is observed during the waxing phase of moon in the month of Kartik (October – November). In 2011, the date of Utthana Ekadasi or Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi is November 6. The importance of Dev Prabodhini Ekadasi narrated to Sage Narada by Brahma. The divine conversation is found in the Skanda Purana. Observing this Ekadasi is believed to help in getting rid of the guilt associated with sins committed and is also a path to liberation (Moksha). Ekadasi is an important fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The famous Tulsi Vivah festival is performed on the day by some communities and also on the day after Ekadasi in some regions. The Chatur Mas period also ends with Prabodhini Ekadashi. The famous Kartik Month Pandarpur Yatra also concludes on the day.

All the normal rules associated with Ekadasi fasting are observed on the day.

Utthana Ekadasi, which falls in the Kartik month, is considered highly auspicious by Lord Vishnu devotees. Staunch Vishnu devotees observe a rigid fast on the day by skipping food and staying awake during night. Majority of the people take one meal mostly in the evening and visit shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Utpanna Ekadasi, or Uttpatti Ekadashi, is observed during the waning phase of the moon in the month of November – December. In 2011, the date of Utpanna Ekadasi is November 21. The importance of this Ekadasi was explained to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in Bhavishyottara Purana. For those devotees who like to begin the monthly Ekadasi fasting, Uttpatti Ekadasi is the Ekadashi that they should start with.

All the sins accumulated during the previous births and this birth are washed away by observing Uttpatti Ekadashi and this leads to Moksha.

Fresh beginners who want to undertake Ekadasi fasting start it with Utpanna Ekadasi. They can continue it forever or for a year. How long it is continued depends on the devotee.

All the normal rules associated with Ekadasi are observed during Utpanna Ekadashi.

Ekadasi Fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. This is one of the most popular Vrat observed in Hinduism. How to observe Ekadashi was narrated to Arjuna by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyottara Purana.

When to start Ekadasi Fasting?

Lord Krishna advices Arjuna to begin the Ekadasi fasting in the autumn season with Utpanna or Uttpatti Ekadasi occurring during the waning phase of the moon in November – December.

Ekadashi Vrat Fasting Method

Ekadasi is the name of the Goddess that arose from Lord Vishnu to defeat Demon Mura. Happy with her divine act, Lord Vishnu blessed her that anyone who observes Ekadasi fast will be freed of their sins and will attain Moksha.

Some people only take a single meal on the Dasami day, the day before Ekadasi.

Things needed for Ekadasi Puja and Prayer

A picture or photo or idol of Lord Vishnu

Fruits

Tulsi leaves (The tulsi leaves should not be picked on the day but on the previous day)

Yellow bananas

And other normal puja items

Observance

Wake up early in the morning. Take bath and offer prayers.

Perform a simple puja to Lord Vishnu at home by lighting a lamp and offering fruits and Tulsi leaves.

Pray or meditate for few minutes.

If there is a Vishnu temple nearby visit the temple and witness morning pujas and rituals.

Complete fast or Upavas on the day is the main observance.

Ekadasi Fasting

Fasting is for 24 hours. It is believed that a partial or total abstinence from food on Ekadasi is rewarded with bliss.

If you have any health problem or are taking medicines, please consult your doctor before deciding on fasting. You can also opt for a partial fast by avoiding food made of rice.